Columbus organization partners with DoorDash to deliver free hygiene products
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A Columbus organization joined forces with a popular food delivery service to ensure families have the essentials.
The organization, God's Hygiene, is founded by a woman who knows what it's like to not have basic hygiene products when growing up.
"I did not have pen and paper," God's Hygiene founder Tamerra Jewell said. "I did not have school supplies. I didn’t have deodorant. I didn’t have a toothbrush. We did wash our teeth with a washcloth. I would hide in the woods until school was over. I loved school, but I just couldn’t keep up because I missed a week out of every month from not having feminine hygiene. It was just too expensive we couldn’t afford it."
Now she's working to make sure Columbus kids and families do not share similar struggles. God's Hygiene provides free products to families including shampoo, toothpaste, and body wash. The organization serves about 500 to 600 people every month, and people can receive free products every 30 days.
"I sometimes cry, and I wonder if can I get to them all and how fast can I get to them," Jewell said.
Thanks to a new partnership with DoorDash, the organization is able to reach more people.
"Oh my goodness, I’m so grateful, because of course we know gas has gone up in price, and some people had no way of getting here," Diane Hendrickson, God's Hygiene's Communication Coordinator, said.
People can now email or text in an order form, and a DoorDash driver will deliver the products to their homes for free. They also drop off boxes at schools with items for students.
"That was the big blessing because school staff can’t leave during the school day when we are open to come pick it up," Hendrickson said. "Some of the schools even have washing machines they offer to the students, so we gave detergent to some of the schools so they can wash their clothes."
Jewell said she feels blessed to be able to bless others.
"I wish I could hug all the children and counsel all the children and tell them not to give up, because I did give up," she said.
People can pick up six hygiene or cleaning products every 30 days from God's Hygiene at 1402 Oakland Park in Columbus. It's open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., and an ID is required to get products.
The organization's also looking for volunteers and takes donations. For more information on how to help, email OPHC@godshygiene.com.
